L&HR construction pending...

[DKS]

If your two foreground tracks along the back wall are for staging, then you'll need to make the leads way, way longer. Otherwise, you can't do much fiddling while another train is making the rounds (not to mention that two tracks do not afford much in the way of fiddling opportunities).

Here, try this. Lower the staging yard ~1 inch to add interest, create greater visual separation, and keep staging yard trains from blocking the view of the "real" ones in Warwick.

[asciibaron]

i like it, sorta - i had a scene in mind for the left hand side - that's why it had that easy S curve...

the bigger question is will the curved turnout i've created resemble those from Atlas

[DKS]

the bigger question is will the curved turnout i've created resemble those from Atlas

Track planning software will tell for sure. The outer track of the TO is a normal section of 21-in radius curved sectional (inner curve is 15 in). But, there is so much room for variation in this plan that I wouldn't be too concerned about it.

[asciibaron]

But, there is so much room for variation in this plan that I wouldn't be too concerned about it.

overall, i'm pleased with the plan, just need to iron out how i'm going to address the staging with regard to a scene i want to do on the left side.  i really want to capture the feeling of the line as it heads west across New Jersey.  i'm looking forward to running some trains this spring.

thanks for all the help, now who can help me cut wood.

[DKS]

just need to iron out how i'm going to address the staging with regard to a scene i want to do on the left side.  i really want to capture the feeling of the line as it heads west across New Jersey.

Maybe you could "disguise" the staging yard lead as a siding, with the track dropping down, cinder ballast, disappearing into a mine or building. I know it would probably look goofy when trains are on their way out (kind of like clowns pouring out of a bus), but just make a loud noise and everyone will look away while you do the dirty deed...

thanks for all the help, now who can help me cut wood.

Sorry, I don't have the right software.

[Dump The Air]

i have been reading up on the Clinchfield as well...

Are you sure you are not me? Just in N-scale?

I have a plan ready to go for Hudson Yard in HO, but my other loves are the Clinchfield and C&O, they keep me distracted enough to think dangerous thoughts.

[asciibaron]

Maybe you could "disguise" the staging yard lead as a siding, with the track dropping down, cinder ballast, disappearing into a mine or building. I know it would probably look goofy when trains are on their way out (kind of like clowns pouring out of a bus), but just make a loud noise and everyone will look away while you do the dirty deed...

this immediately came to mind...

[sizemore]

I'd do something like this A and B would be diverging downgrade. Point C through A would be the hard grade up hill but mostly hidden covering C through A would be scenic ridge and dam that would hide the grade and blind the opposing tunnels at the same point. Point C through B would be the gradual downhill. C and D would be the highest point giving you a long gradual grade. The staging yard would be through (not delimited by) points C and D on the lower level. The whole layout would be a long folded loop.

[asciibaron]

i'm not following the grades - the yard would be on a grade?

[sizemore]

i'm not following the grades - the yard would be on a grade?

Sort of....where the two trains are located on the upper horizontal wall would be on a gradual grade, the yard would be level.

T

[asciibaron]

any one else care to weigh in, no comments from Ed yet...  you are welcome to come and run your Conrail stuff on the line, it was a donor line...

[John]

seems like a lot of wasted space in the pit ..

[asciibaron]

seems like a lot of wasted space in the pit ..

money, mouth.

[asciibaron]

seems like a lot of wasted space in the pit ..

and i might add, the doors on the top and left are active storage areas - but i don't mind having to duck under the layout to get the Christmas tree and decorations.  the upper area is my server closet/sump pump room.  i never need to go in there.

[seusscaboose]

seems like a lot of wasted space in the pit ..

and i might add, the doors on the top and left are active storage areas - but i don't mind having to duck under the layout to get the Christmas tree and decorations.  the upper area is my server closet/sump pump room.  i never need to go in there.

....yet.  ;D